Chelan Lakeshore Trail

getting there

Take the Lady of the Lake boat from Chelan or Fields Point and request to disembark at the whistle stop on the gravel fan at the base of the Prince Creek drainage.

on the trail

Hardy souls can hike up Prince Creek in mid summer to the top of the ridge for some high rambling!  For those just wanting to soak up unending lake views, wildflowers and warmth without too much sweat, just turn northwest and follow the Chelan Lakeshore for all that and more: 

• Vistas from high bluffs
• Roaring early-season streams and waterfalls, a swim in (very!) chilly snowmelt lake water
• The Golden West Visitors Center and North Cascades Lodge in Stehekin -- beer!  burgers and fries!),
• A chance to while away a day or two renting bikes or hiking up the Stehekin River valley.

notes

• Watch out for crowds on most Friday and Saturday mornings in May. Many people have the same idea you do!  This is a great one for mid-week, but watch the boat schedule! 
• Avoid the dog days of summer when the sun can beat down just too hot and the rattlesnakes come out to visit.
• Established camps are few and small along the trail, and often taken up by trail crews or people who arrive by boat. The spacious Moore Point camp is an exception.  Keep an eye up and downhill for flat benches in the trees near some of the creeks, and you'll find plenty of flat spots for your tent.
• If you're in Stehekin, consider a 5-mile day hike south along the lakeshore.

Information for Leaders

Scheduling & Permits

This route allows multiple bookings. Please check scheduled trips listed below in the "Activities" tab to see if there is another group already booked on the same day. Leaders are expected to contact the leader(s) of existing trips to ensure there are no concerns or conflicts, according to The Mountaineers Outdoor Ethics Policy. Please review our Group Size & Multiple Bookings page for guidance.

Courses, paid clinics, staff-led programs, and course field trips require a Commercial Use Authorization. The Park typically accepts applications for 2-year CUAs  through mid-March each year, and CUA's are activity-specific. Please contact info@mountaineers.org if you would like to apply for a CUA for a field trip or paid clinic for an activity we do not already have a CUA for. Please follow all Mountaineers group guidelines when leading trips or courses in North Cascades National Park. 

Notes:

• Leaders are responsible for securing backcountry permits or other required permits even if  we have a CUA.
• Leaders must have all relevant CUAs with them in paper or electronic copy to show Parks Staff as requested. 
• All Hiking course field trips or paid clinics must have a First aid and CPR certified leader. Current (non-expired) certificates must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip
• All mountaineering field trips or paid clinics must have a WFR-certified leader and a leader with documented climbing certifications (an AMGA certification OR Mountaineers climb leader with a recent resume of training and experience). Both qualifications must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip

View list of current North Cascades CUAs

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
• Length: 17.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
• High Point: 1,700 ft

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12